UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at a meeting of the Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. Top stories of the day | Tuesday: Haiti, Palestinians, Afghanistan, humanitarian workers UN
Top stories of the day in the UN and around the world: UN staff remain in Haiti despite deteriorating security situation, meeting of the Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, restrictions on media freedom and discrimination against women journalists in Afghanistan, UN humanitarian workers working in conflicts of unprecedented proportions.
UN in Haiti
In view of the significant deterioration of the security situation in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, including in areas where the UN offices are located, the United Nations is adapting its operations to ensure the continuity of humanitarian programmes, the UN Spokesman said today. He stressed that the organization is not leaving Haiti and continues to provide humanitarian assistance and support for the political transition in the country. The core staff of the UN agencies and mission will remain in Port-au-Prince to carry out the necessary duties. In addition, the UN continues to work outside the capital.
Palestinian Rights
The Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People held a special meeting ahead of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is marked on 29 November. Speaking on behalf of UN chief Antonio Guterres, his deputy Amina Mohammed said nothing justified either the October 7 attacks by Hamas or the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Repeating her call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, Mohammed stressed the need to end the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.
Media in Afghanistan
Journalists in Afghanistan are working under increasing censorship, with women facing the most severe restrictions and discrimination, according to a new report from the UN Human Rights Office and the UN Mission in Afghanistan. According to the report, between 15 August 2021, when the Taliban came to power in the country, and 30 September 2024, at least 256 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists, 130 cases of torture and ill-treatment, and 75 cases of threats or intimidation against media workers, often for their perceived criticism of the de facto authorities, were identified.
Attacks on humanitarian personnel
UN humanitarian personnel face increasing threats while working in the field, with the main danger now posed not only by armed groups but also by state entities, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gil Michaud said at a Security Council meeting on measures to prevent attacks on UN personnel. He stressed that prolonged stay in a conflict zone causes serious damage to the psychosocial state of people. According to him, almost half of UN staff working in conflict zones show symptoms of post-traumatic stress.